Mexican Agave

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Many species of agave plant are native to Mexico and have played an important role in life in Mexico. One, Agave tequilana or blue agave, is fermented and distilled to produce the alcoholic drink tequila.

Several Mexican agaves are called maguey and their leaves and juices have many uses. The value of the maguey (an Aztec derived word) was known to the Aztec Indians and other native inhabitants of Central America.

While Don was visiting Mexico the versatility of one maguey plant, a specimen of Agave atrovirens, was demonstrated:

The succulent leaves produce a fibre which can be written on like paper.

The film on the leaves was used as soap by Aztec Indians to wash leather and their hair.

The sharp spine at the tip of the leaves can be removed pulling with it a thread of fibre to give an instant needle and thread.

The juice of the plant, or the honey water, is called ‘pulque’. It was used as a ceremonial drink for the Aztec Indians. This liquid is considered to be an aphrodisiac and is the basis of tequila.